Update from The Stern Group, Opening Doors in Washington, D.C.

NCWIT recognizes the importance of establishing a strong presence among legislators and policy-makers in Washington, D.C., and we strive to keep key decision-makers apprised of the issues surrounding diversity and innovation. We do this with the help of The Stern Group, an international advisory firm led by the Honorable Paula Stern. Here are some examples of The Stern Group's work on behalf of NCWITover the course of the last month.

On January 7, 2010, Dr. Paula Stern of The Stern Group addressed the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Policy on behalf of NCWIT (view the webcast). Dr. Stern highlighted three major themes:  jobs, a shrinking talent pool, and education.  Specifically, she pointed out that there are IT-related job opportunities in the U.S. economy now and in the projected future.  She emphasized the need to attract and retain a diverse range of computing talent in order to keep pace with the growth of the information technology industry worldwide.

Furthermore, she spoke of the need to focus education and career counseling on information technology and not simply STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Finally, she stressed the importance of NCWIT’s mission, which is to promote rigorous, engaging, relevant computer science instruction that will attract underrepresented children and women re-entering the workforce in order to build a skilled U.S. information technology cadre.

On January 12, 2010, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) hosted a Roundtable on Practical Approaches to Attracting and Retaining Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fields at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Ms. Sarah Eversman attended as a representative for NCWIT.

The roundtable discussions included a session on “Congressional Perspectives” from Marcy Gallo, Ph.D, a representative from the House Science and Technology Committee, and legislative assistants on the behalf of Senator Edward Kaufman (D-DE), Representative Marcia Fudge (D-OH), and Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI).

Marcy Gallo noted that the House Science and Technology Committee is working at present on the reauthorization of the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act with renewed support for STEM education. Senator Kaufman, who recently published a commentary in Education Week, “STEM Education: A Race to the Top,” is promoting the “Educate to Innovate” campaign that was initiated by President Obama to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in STEM. This campaign will include efforts not only from the Federal Government but also from leading companies, foundations, non-profits, and science and engineering societies to work with young people across America to excel in science and math. Finally, Rep.Vernon Ehlers recently authored a House Resolution designating December 6-12, 2010 as National Computer Science Education Week. “I introduced the resolution with my colleague Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) designating Computer Science Education Week primarily to highlight the shortage of computer scientists in our nation,” said Ehlers. “Computer science is becoming increasingly important and relevant in today’s high-tech jobs, but fewer and fewer students are choosing this course of study. We can help reverse this trend by introducing students to computer science at an early age so they will be prepared for the jobs of the future.”

In another presentation titled, “Women and STEM: How Title IX Can Be a Tool,” Cathy Pieronek provided a general overview of the Title IX Law. She explained that although people tend to associate this piece of legislation with increases in federal funding for women’s collegiate athletics it also mandates certain obligations for colleges and universities receiving funding for STEM education and research. As such, the government could influence the climate for women and minorities in information technology and other STEM related fields by conducting frequent reviews of institutions receiving funding. Reviews, if regularly implemented, could provide a guide to understanding where in the educational process inequities do occur and where changes should occur.Pieronek emphasized the significant influence Title IX may have in helping “to identify aspects of an unfriendly academic climate that includes few role models to inspire younger women that passively (or in some cases actively) discourages women from participating.”

The Stern Group's work to put diversity and innovation in IT in the federal government spotlight would not be possible without the support of people like you. Make a contribution today. You can read more about The Stern Group's work in our D.C. newsletters.

(Thanks to Jane Butterfield, Sarah Eversman and Paula Stern at The Stern Group)

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Jump on the Bandwagon

Since we launched our funding campaign for computer science education reform in D.C. about 10 days ago, the news has been filled with stories about our campaign themes: computer science education, the increasing need for skilled technology professionals, computing's pervasive influence on other career fields, and the potential for underrepresented groups in computing, such as women, to bring much-needed talent to the workforce. Some examples:

• The Wall Street Journal: Landing a Job of the Future Takes a Two-Track Mind
  
• The New York Times: Math, Tech and the Women Who Don't Love Them
  
• Science Daily: Of Girls and Geeks: Environment May Be Why Women Don't Like Computer Science
  
• The Washington Post: As attacks increase, U.S. struggles to recruit computer security experts
  
• Slashdot: The US Economy Needs More "Cool" Nerds
  
• The Washington Post: Fewer high school students taking computer science classes
  
• The Industry Standard: Getting Computer Science Into Middle School
  
• The New York Times: Computer Science Education: It's Not Shop Class
  
• The New York Times: New Programs Aim to Lure Young Into Digital Jobs

We're glad to see these topics picking up steam with popular media and look forward to the momentum we are building, going into 2010. Come jump on the bandwagon - make a donation to NCWIT today.  We're thankful for your support and excited about what it allows us to accomplish.

Happy New Year!

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From the Classroom to the Boardroom to the Halls of Congress

Since its inception in 2004, NCWIT has successfully attracted the support of corporations, foundations, and the government to help it achieve its mission of increasing women's participation in IT.  In part it's because these organizations recognize the importance of diversity in computer science and IT; and in part it's because we strive to operate with an efficient and strategic business model, one that will provide funders with return on their investment.

But fundraising successes for non-profits can be a double-edged sword. Sometimes success attracts additional funding: it's a sign that you're doing your work well and other people recognize that.  And sometimes success can discourage funding, too. If people think that you don't need their support, they're less likely to give it.

We do need your support.

You may not know it, but some of the most important work we do doesn't happen in a classroom or a boardroom: it happens in the halls of congress, in Washington, D.C. NCWIT is not a lobbying organization, but we do wield some influence in Washington, D.C. among people whose decisions affect technology education and workforce policy.

NCWIT regularly calls on policymakers to show them statistics about low participation in computer science; call their attention to the value of diversity in the IT workforce; and encourage them to support legislation that improves education and opportunities in computer science and IT for everyone, especially underrepresented groups. This work is immensely important and hard to quantify. It's also immensely hard to fund.

You can help.

We're looking to you - the technologist, the geek, the parent, the scientist, the innovator, the educator, the taxpayer, the voter - to help us bring your voice to D.C. Your support, no matter the amount, helps us create change on a national level by motivating policymakers to decide in favor of computer science education, diversity, and innovation.

Make a contribution at www.ncwit.org/share, then help us spread the word about our campaign and you'll be entered to win a giveaway sponsored by Google -- a techie trip for two Down Under!

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UIUC Gaming Contest for Women!

The University of Illinois department of computer science is hosting an international video game development competition, designed specifically for aspiring female video game developers.  The Games4Girls contest invites teams of college-aged women to develop video games for their high school counterparts.

The competition enables aspiring female game developers to get real-world collaborative experience in software game development while providing inspiration to middle- and high-school aged girls.  The contest was conceived in response to research indicating that boys enjoy a relatively greater degree of confidence with computers because they spend more time as children playing computer games. Research suggests that this difference in confidence contributes to the gender imbalance seen within the growing field of computer science. Winning teams can earn up to $2,500 for their game! Here's information about how to get involved:

What: Games 4 Girls Competition
When: Registration deadline is December 18, 2009
Where: http://cs.illinois.edu/outreach/games4girls
Contact: Sonya Harris, Coordinator of Outreach Programs
                     

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